My friend from the east coast is planning a trip to Cost Rica for this spring. This would be my first surf trip outside of the US. I ride a long board and he is a short boarder. He is more interested in beach break. I don’t want to bring a 10’ board and deal with that. where would you go as a compromise?
I’m not really clear what you mean. Are you reluctant to ride a 10’ board at a beachbreak? Costa Rica has several lined up, softer breaking beachbreaks which are great for longboards. Playa Nosara and Tamarindo are two that come to mind. You can also rent boards at both places if you don’t want to take your 10’ board on the plane. Ollie’s is another longboard spot and even Witchs Rock is fine for a longboard unless it gets big. Good Luck!
I’m not reluctant but my experience with riding a long board in bigger beach break hasn’t been the best. I live in Santa barbara and the few times i have taken a big board out on larger days at any beach break sucked. Double overhead Jalama on a 10’ isn’t how I want to spend my vacation. I can do that here. I was just looking for suggestions.
I agree, 2X OH Jalama on a 10’ is not fun! I had a similar experience once at Witchs Rock. The surf was about that size and all I had was a 9’ longboard. I took a savage beating and then went immediately to Ollies. Ollies was not quite as big, but soft. It breaks softer than Rincon, about top to 1/2 way down the face. Perfect for a longboard. Most of the time Witchs is fine for a longboard. If you have decided on Costa Rica, buy the book “The Surfer’s Guide to Costa Rica”. You might also try posting on Longboard.net forum. In general, most of Costa Rica’s waves are longboard friendly. And the water is at least 20 degrees warmer than Santa Barbara!
Even Playa Hermosa is nothing like Jalama… you’ll have fun, plus the chances of you scoring 12’ plus faces is pretty slim.